The Sharks' stalwart all season

Times' Hernando County baseball player of the year, Travis Murray of Nature Coast

By KELLIE DIXON
Published June 12, 2007

Travis Murray's expression rarely changed when he was on the mound this past season for Nature Coast.

But behind the junior's focused glance, framed by the shaggy blonde hair peeping out of his hat, swirled prayers and an internal pep talk. Murray constantly reminded himself to stay confident, stay in control.

He was the boss.

That poise on the mound and at the plate meant good things for Nature Coast. Murray helped the Sharks record their best season in their short four-year history. Nature Coast defeated district foe Pasco, reached the district title game and made a region quarterfinal appearance.

"He brought consistency, " Nature Coast coach Dan Garofano said. "He was consistent for the whole season. ...He was a quiet leader."

Offensively, Murray steadily has improved. He bolstered his batting average from his sophomore season by more than 30 points. He hit .369 with eight doubles, a home run and 23 RBIs.

Initially Garofano pegged the junior, who went 1-1 with a 4.20 ERA as a sophomore, as his No. 3 pitcher. But it didn't take long for Murray to prove himself. He wasn't named the No. 1 outright but nipped closely at Bryan Daniels' heels. Murray went 7-1 with a 1.24 ERA. He struck out 65 batters in 50 innings pitched.

Four of those strikeouts came against Pasco. He pitched in the last four innings, and Garofano said he noticed for the first time that Murray showed emotion on the mound.

An umpire made a call Murray didn't like. Instead of getting flustered, the junior struck out the batter with three straight fastballs.

Murray didn't give up a run the remainder of the game and Nature Coast rallied offensively to defeat Pasco for the first time.

Kellie Dixon can be reached at kdixon@sptimes.com or 352 848-1430.

Fast Facts:

Magic on the mound

On the mound, Murray went 7-1, including a win against district foe Pasco, with a 1.24 ERA. He struck out 65 batters in 50 innings pitched.

[Last modified June 11, 2007, 22:13:17]